Award-winning broadcaster Portia Gabor has opened up about the gender biases she faced in Ghana’s media industry while pregnant. Speaking at the launch of the Strategy Document on Gender Equality in the Media in Ghana, Gabor shared the shocking comments she received from viewers, highlighting the discrimination female journalists face.
Gabor recalled receiving phone calls and social media messages criticizing her appearance while pregnant and reading the news. She shared how strangers would comment on her dress, hairstyle, and even suggest that pregnant women should not be on television. These experiences are not unique to Gabor, as many female journalists face similar challenges in the industry.
The event also featured Professor Audrey Gadzekpo, who emphasized the ongoing discrimination women in media face, especially online. Despite progress in promoting gender equality, women continue to encounter barriers in newsrooms, with male anchors often receiving more challenging assignments than their female counterparts.
The launch of the Strategy Document on Gender Equality in the Media is part of the “Equal Voices” project by the Media Foundation for West Africa and Canal France International. The project aims to address gender disparities in the media and promote women’s representation in leadership roles.
Despite advancements, research shows that women in Ghana’s media industry are still underrepresented in decision-making positions, facing institutional and cultural barriers to career growth. The Strategy Document/Roadmap provides actionable strategies for policymakers, media organizations, and stakeholders to bridge the gender gap and create a more inclusive media landscape in Ghana.
